When Chelsea and Arsenal face each other at the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday afternoon, they’ll not only hear Abide By Me – the traditional pre-match hymn – but also verses of poetry.

This final will be like no other in the history of the game, with spectators locked out and the event not only serving as the traditional curtain-fall for this elongated and disrupted season, but also a continuation of the plea to take the issue of mental health more seriously.

Hence this will be the Heads Up FA Cup Final, the culmination of the FA and Heads Together’s season-long Heads Up campaign, spearheaded by Prince William to harness the influence and popularity of football to encourage more people to feel comfortable talking about, and take action to improve, their mental health.

Wembley will not echo to the customary jeers from the red half of London to the blue half, but to a one-minute soundscape of real mental health conversations with fans and players, introduced by rallying words from poet and mental health champion Hussain Manawer.

The anthem Abide with Me will be performed by Brit award-winner Emeli Sandé from the roof of Wembley Stadium in a pre-recorded performance, while the national anthem will be sung live in the stadium by British Youth Opera.

There will be no presentation party because of Covid-19 risks, and the post-match trophy presentation will take place on the pitch.

FA chairman Greg Clarke explained: “There’s no doubt that the stadium will look and feel very different, the noise, colour and camaraderie will be sorely missed but both clubs will no doubt feel the support of the many millions watching with loved ones from the safety of their own home.